This morning when I sat down to begin my workday, I had a “to-do” to check a link that I wanted to use in one of my posts for my business blog. When I typed in the domain name, I discovered that the page had been re-directed to a totally brand new site that was completely unrelated to its original intentions. This was a blog that I had developed specifically for this client. I creatively came up with the catchy domain name, I determined the posting schedule, wrote the posts to my specifications, edited and invited guest bloggers to post. I grew the blogs traffic via social networking and being “out there” promoting this blog and the wonders of it. So essentially, the re-directed page had nothing to do with what it was originally set-up for. Let me give you a bit of background explanation.
Pro Blogging
I have been professionally blogging (meaning I get paid for it) for over four years now. I’ve been writing for over 12 years. About four years ago, an online network hired me to blog about working from home, executive women professionals, etc. I was simply delighted to write because that’s what I love. I poured my heart and creative intelligence into the blog and it grew in traffic and readership and people were engaging and participating on the site a lot. It was jumping! Well, as it goes in the world of business, money changed hands and so did ownership of that online network. That meant the writers had the option of 1.) staying on board for significantly less pay or 2.) opting to leave with the keyboard they brought with them. I toiled over this for some time because I LOVED my blog, but I couldn’t support myself off the peanuts they were offering. It just wasn’t right but it was what it was. I opted out.
From what I understand, a few other writers from that time took over the helm and tried to grow the blog. And, from what I understand, the site changed owners a few more times. It was very unfortunate, but what impacted me most was that my creative works were gone. Gone. Since I was under contract, all of the pieces that I had written for the company were owned by them, therefore they could do with it as they pleased. They deleted them all. Everything that I had written from my heart and head knowledge in two years was gone. And even if I had kept the posts in a word processing file, I still could not use them – - remember, I signed a contract.
The Real First
My point here is to encourage those of you who are in business to put yourself FIRST! I don’t mean neglect your clients, but if you’re going to be successful and become a brand name, your work deserves your full heart and creative juices. As for clients, ALWAYS deliver 110% to them, no matter what. Always give them the ultimate best and be the person they think of when they have work or need products. But as for your heart’s desire, your “baby” if you will, give your deep, undivided attention to that. The rewards far outweigh anything you can imagine. Although the reaping of those rewards may be slower, they will come nonetheless.
Now, I still write for clients – many clients as a matter of fact. I give them a thousand percent and I get repeat business. But as for my heart’s goals, I’ve turned my full attention to giving my blogs what they deserve: me. My essence, my core. All of those things are too precious to give away, and they’re even harder to retrieve once they’re lost. If you’re going to be in business and be successful, prioritize what you’re aiming for and focus on that. Entrepreneur’s have dreams of having their own brand, products, image, books, etc, but they can never achieve those things if they don’t focus on making them happen.
So do it. Starting today.
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